TEEX conducts economic development study for Taylor, Texas

6/6/2014 12:00 AM

Taylor, Texas, population 16,000, is a small community with big plans. To capture new economic development opportunities for the town, leaders called on the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to help determine areas of improvement and opportunities for growth.

TEEX economic development experts started by gathering citizen input last fall on their perceptions of the unique attributes of the community, areas for improvement and opportunities for growth. The final report was recently presented to more than 60 Taylor residents and community leaders.

The study found top priorities for Taylor, identified through the citizen input, were road improvements, education, shopping and entertainment. Taylor Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) President Sean Stockard said the TEEX study shows how the community wants to move forward.

Home to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the birthplace of the Texas Rangers, Taylor is located on highway 95 and 79, with easy access to I-35. Other positive attributes identified in the report were an abundant water supply, absence of traffic congestion, low cost of living and the availability of WiFi in public parks.

“This is going to be your road map,” TEEX Program Manager Lisa Mutchler told Taylor citizens and leaders, adding that the community now has action items with a start date and an outcome to measure success. Mayor Jesse Ancira called on the respective local organizations to determine their next steps so the community could “move forward collectively.”

The study was commissioned by the TEDC, the City of Taylor, the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce and the Taylor Independent School District